LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

BOOK REVIEW:
KNOWING JESUS THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT
BY CHRISTOPHER J.H. WRIGHT Ph.D.



SUBMITTED TO DR. LARUE STEPHENS AS PARTIAL REQUIREMENT OF
'OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY OBST591
LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY


BY
DUANE M. SAUNDERS SR.



NOVEMBER 23, 2011
COLUMBIA, MARYLAND

INTRODUCTION
Knowing Jesus through the Old Testament (1990) is a masterIul and timeless book written by
author, Anglican minister, and Old Testament scholar Dr.Christopher J.H. Wright. From the outset oI this
book Wright immediately engages the reader in a manner that only a skilled orator and scholar can,
shining light upon the necessity oI understanding Hebrew scripture and its direct relationship and
connection to Jesus Christ. Dr.Wright serves as the Director oI International Ministries Ior the Langham
Partnership International (LPI). LPI is an organization whose sole purpose is to equip church leaders Ior
missions, spiritual maturity and growth. As mentioned the Iocus oI this book is Jesus Christ and the
parallels that exist in the Old Testament; what the reader is leIt with is a greater understanding oI
scripture, Christocentric belieIs, and one`s relationship with God.

OOK REVIEW/SUMMARY OF ~KNOWING 1ESUS THROUGH THE OLD TESTAMENT
Dr. Wright brings the reader directly into the knowledge that Jesus Christ is the IulIillment oI Old
Testament scripture, through the New Testament book oI Matthew. Wright helps the reader comprehend
the relevance oI Jesus Christ`s ancestry, which stands as the validation oI Biblical accounts. What is seen
is a schematic oI God`s plan Ior salvation and redemption oI man. The reader is Iurther guided by
Wright`s explanation oI God`s covenants and promises with his chosen ones. The author delivers
meaningIul explanations oI the variance between promises and predictions. Wright asserts that a promise
sustains personal relationship, and contains within it a commitment to respond in a manner beIitting the
promise; whereas a prediction does not. This is made evident as Wright lays out the covenants contained
in Old Testament.
Wright draws a unique relationship between God the Iather and his chosen people oI Israel, and
his expectancy oI obedience to obtain the contents oI his promises oI blessing his children. Wright

expertly and consistently presents the prophetic nature oI the Old Testament in relation to Jesus Christ
and his divine assignment as being both Son of Man and the Lords servant as indicated in both the books
oI Isaiah and Daniel. In Wright`s last section we Iind a summarization oI Jesus` dealings with the world
around him, and his engagement against Pharisaic legalism. Wright assists the reader in Iurther
understanding Jesus` role in transIorming the mind and lives oI mankind. What we ultimately Iind is a
useIul oIIering that ties together Jesus` Jewishness and the IulIillment oI prophecy; and how Jesus viewed
himselI in relation to Hebrew scripture.

CRITICAL INTERACTION
This book without a doubt will provide the critical Iramework Ior better understanding
who Jesus is in relation to the Old Testament. As previously stated Wright`s inclusion and
emphasis on Jesus genealogy, immediately drives home the concept oI God`s original plan oI
salvation through the promise made to one man. Abraham was selected to serve as the
progenitor oI Jesus because oI his obedience. This then brought Iorth a covenant, and list oI
requirements that would over time bring Iorth additional judgment, and God`s blessing upon his
people.
What is meaningIul is Wright`s presentation oI God`s judgment upon Israel and Judah.
The picture oI God`s love and ultimate plan, sets the scene Ior the eventual entrance oI Jesus
Christ based upon the actions or lack oI action in the lives oI his chosen nation. What is Iound is
Israel`s stronger determination to do the will oI God; even as they were under the physical rule
oI another. This is highlighted as Wright states. 'The Old Testament tell the story which Jesus

completes, it also declares the promise which Jesus IulIills

1
. This resulted in the reader gaining a better
understanding oI God`s promises and demand Ior obedience. This reader was challenged by Wright to
gain an appreciative understanding oI the diIIerences between promise and prediction. As previously
summarized, God`s promises were predicated upon speciIic relational actions on the part oI his people.
ImpactIul insight was presented as Wright explained: 'The promise comes as the initiative oI God`s
grace and always depends on his grace. But that grace has to be accepted and responded to by
Iaith and obedience
2
.
Messianic ideology was also a major thrust, as Wright continued to weave the scriptural
Ioretelling oI Jesus Christ, in showing the dualistic nature oI Jesus Christ as Son and Servant
3

(see Daniel chapter seven and Isaiah chapter IiIty-three). Wright presents Iurther validity to the
person oI Jesus Christ as he reIerences the gospel oI Mark 10:45HCSB 'For even the Son oI
Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His liIe a ransom Ior many
4
".
Knowing Jesus Through the Old Testament has generated much commentary among
biblical scholars and those in the pastorate. Pastor Sean Harris oI the Berean Baptist Church in
Fayetteville North Carolina has been noted in stating '@ depth oI Wright's knowledge oI the
Hebrew Bible and his ability to convene this is what makes nowing Jesus Through the Old Testament a

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unique analysis oI how one can Iind Jesus in the Old Testament. Wright's thoroughness in most areas and
depth oI instruction is commendable.

CONCLUSION
Dr. Wright`s ability to draw the parallel components oI Jesus Christ mission to the nation oI
Israel should be celebrated. Furthermore the synchronicity oI Jesus` message, liIe, and ministry; to what
was written centuries beIore him was presented in a manner that is better understood having read this
book. As one part in a three book series, this reader is compelled to seek Iurther knowledge oI Hebrew
scripture and the Iurtherance oI one`s relationship with God. This book serves as a Ioundational resource
Ior all aspiring biblical scholars.